Preparation

During the actual examination, regardless of whether it is a conventional or an open MRI, the device generates loud knocking sounds. Since this is perceived as extremely unpleasant by the majority of patients, the patient to be examined is given special sound-proof headphones or earplugs. In addition, before starting the examination, it must be noted that magnetic objects can significantly interfere with the functioning of the magnetic resonance tomograph. For this reason, all electromagnetic objects must be placed in front of the examination room. This applies in particular to glasses, dentures, contact lenses, hearing aids, hair clips, rings, keys and watches.

Fields of application

Even during pregnancy, the preparation of sectional images using MRI can be useful for various reasons. For example, an MRI of the pelvis can provide indications of the presence of gynecological tumors, altered lymph nodes, rectal carcinomas, inflammation in the area of the hip joint or cysts on the ovaries.In addition, free fluid in the area of the pelvis can be reliably detected by means of an MRI examination. This can be particularly helpful in the event of complications during pregnancy or the suspected presence of an ectopic pregnancy.

The preparation of MRI sectional images of the breast, on the other hand, serves primarily as a supplement to mammography and sonography (ultrasound). Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to visualize ulcers (tumors) as well as inflammatory processes within the mammary gland tissue. In this context, however, it should be noted that the preparation of additional MRI sectional images during pregnancy should be strictly considered.

Although it is assumed that there is no risk to the unborn child if an MRI examination is performed during pregnancy, there are no comprehensive studies available for this assumption. If during pregnancy there is a suspicion of an impairment of the arterial and/or venous vessels, the performance of an MRI examination can be helpful if this appears unavoidable. In this way, inflammatory processes along the vessel walls, dilatations or occlusions (for example blood clots) can be reliably detected.

Even after traumatic events, such as a traffic accident, the production of MRI sectional images during pregnancy can be unavoidable and useful. Other reasons that may justify the performance of an MRI examination during pregnancy are

Tumors
Ischemic processes (e.g. cerebral infarction)
Slipped disc with strong symptoms such as paralysis during pregnancy
Vertebral body fractures

The duration of the preparation of MRI sectional images depends primarily on the body region to be imaged. In direct comparison to the usual imaging procedures, such as computed tomography or conventional x-rays, the MRI examination takes a relatively long time.

Depending on the region of the body, it can be assumed to take about 15 to 30 minutes. During the entire examination, the body region to be examined must be positioned in a narrow tube. For examinations of the thorax, abdomen, pelvis and head, the patient must be pushed into the MRI tube with a special couch.

The narrowness of the MRI tube and the knocking noises produced by the device are unpleasant for many patients. In addition, the available space inside the MRI machine is further limited during pregnancy. During the examination, the magnetic resonance tomograph generates an extremely strong magnetic field.

Only by creating such a strong magnetic field can such a high resolution of the individual sectional images be generated. As a rule, the patient to be examined is wearing special hearing protection. In this way, the examination can usually be performed in a much more relaxed manner.

It is important that the patient remains in a completely relaxed position during the entire recording time. Even the slightest movement during the examination can cause the MRI sectional images to become blurred and thus less meaningful. For this reason, patients who suffer from severe claustrophobia should consider taking a mild sedative during pregnancy. If this is not possible, an application can be made to the health insurance company to have the costs of an MRI examination performed in an open MRI scan reimbursed. Since there are severe restrictions on the use of various drugs during pregnancy and therefore not every sedative may be taken, this application is usually granted.